Corrections: jails; reimbursement cost of holding an individual in county jail; modify. Amends sec. 4 of 1978 PA 16 (MCL 800.454).

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brad Slagh

HB 6039 creates a state reimbursement framework: MDOC pays counties up to $35 per day to cover reasonable costs of holding state prisoners in county jails during disposition.

bill electronically reproduced 06/03/2026

#corrections:jails #stateagencies(existing):corrections

Bill Summary: HB 6039 (2025-2026) – Michigan

Purpose and Intent

HB 6039 aims to modify the reimbursement framework by which the state (Department of Corrections) pays counties for costs incurred when state prisoners in custody are held in county jails. Specifically, it addresses scenarios where a state prisoner escapees, or prisoners who violated parole, are apprehended and housed in a county jail pending disposition of their case.

The bill sets a defined per-day reimbursement rate and formalizes monthly cost reporting to the Department of Corrections (MDOC).

Key Provisions and Changes

Reimbursement Triggered: When a state-committed prisoner who was incarcerated in a state facility is:

Escaped, not returned pursuant to agreement, or violated parole terms; and
Apprehended and held in a county jail pending disposition of the prisoner's case.

Payment Amount: MDOC must reimburse the county for the actual and reasonable daily costs incurred, not to exceed $35.00 per day. The per-day cap is established by the legislature through the appropriations process and may be adjusted via future appropriations.

Exclusions: The reimbursement requirement does not apply to prisoners who are being held in a county jail awaiting prosecution on new felony charges.

Monthly Cost Reporting: Counties must submit monthly itemized cost reports to MDOC detailing the costs incurred for holding the prisoner.

Determination and Payment:

MDOC will review the submitted costs to determine reasonableness.
After the determination, MDOC will issue payments in accordance with Michigan’s accounting laws.
The department’s determination of reasonableness is final and binding.

Who Is Affected

Parties Involved:

Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC): Responsible for administering reimbursement and determining reasonableness of costs.
County governments: Carry the day-to-day costs of holding state prisoners in county jails and submitting cost reports.

Affected Individuals:

State prisoners who escape, fail to return under agreement, or violate parole, and are held in county jail pending case disposition (excluding those held for new felony prosecutions).

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction and Reference: Introduced June 3, 2026, and referred to the Appropriations Committee.

Implementation: Effective details hinge on the legislature’s appropriations process to set or adjust the monetary cap ($35/day) and to authorize the reimbursement mechanism.

Reporting Cycle: Requires ongoing monthly submission of itemized costs by counties.

Practical Implications

Provides counties with a defined reimbursement mechanism and rate to offset costs associated with housing state prisoners in county facilities during disposition.

Creates standardization in reporting and a clear final authority for cost reasonableness by MDOC.

Potential budget impact tied to the number of cases and the approved per-day cap; total costs depend on future appropriations and the frequency of such holds.

This summary focuses on the substantive elements of HB 6039: the reimbursement framework, eligible circumstances, monetary cap, reporting requirements, and the responsible agencies.